Islington News: Arsenal Football Club | Planning Inspectorate | Carronade Court | Eden Grove

Publications by New Journal Enterprises

Home

Archive

Competition

Islington Tribune - by ROISIN GADELRAB
Published:19 December 2008

Arsenal’s promises ‘kicked into touch’

Club accused of attempting to cash in

ARSENAL Football Club have been accused of attempting to “squeeze the last few drops out of a massively profitable development” by trying to turn a community building into luxury flats.
The club and Islington Council went head-to-head before the Planning Inspectorate at the town hall on Monday, where Arsenal appealed against the council’s refusal to allow them to change the use of a building in Carronade Court, Eden Grove, from community to residential.
The club set aside the building to be used as a health centre as part of a package of concessions offered to the council in return for permission for a much larger housing development.
But, after Islington Primary Care Trust deemed the building too small, Arsenal decided to turn it into housing.
Their application to Islington’s West Area committee in October last year was turned down, prompting Monday’s one-day hearing.
Councillor Paul Smith, who gave evidence at the hearing, said: “By trying to claw back community benefits to build luxury residential houses they are trying to squeeze the last few drops out of a massively profitable development. Originally, it was believed the most likely use would be for a health centre. Arsenal’s argument is that the agreement was for the PCT, but because the PCT doesn’t want to use it they don’t feel they have to provide it any more.”
Islington Council argued there has been a reduction in the use of community space as a result of the Arsenal regeneration development and that the marketing to attract community groups to use the building was “limited at best”.
Arsenal declined to comment on the appeal but it is understood the club has found alternative premises for the PCT’s health centre.
It is also believed the club was reluctant to put the building to alternative community use as this could disturb residents in flats on the second floor of the building.
The decision is expected soon.

Comment on this article.
(You must supply your full name and email address for your comment to be published)

Name:

Email:

Comment: